Farewell To A Devoted NannyI never knew her real name. Since I first met her she was introduced as Yaya Pina or Yayang. She was the nanny of my sister in law when she was still a toddler. And when my brother and sis in law got married she moved in with them and became the nanny of their two kids both of whom are now in college. They called her Nana Pina.
She doesn't talk much not unless you greet or talk to her. But she always has that ready smile and help when you need something. She just stays in the background unobtrusive yet observant to your needs.
When my brother went to Canada about four years ago to work on his papers she assumed the responsibility of being the guardian to the kids and his wife. She was already old then but she assured my brother not to worry, she'll look after them. Thus I was also saddened when my brother informed me that she was sick and needs to be hospitalized about a month ago.
Before that, my brother applied at their office in Canada for a Field Manager position who will be assigned in the Philippines. The family and Nana Pina were happy about it. At last here's the opportunity for them to be reunited again. They hoped and prayed that he will get it. But they were also apprehensive because my brother's immediate manager who would also be one of those who would deliberate and approve the appointment is not keen on losing him.
Then the hospitalization of Nana Pina. Due to complications, weak body and old age she never recovered. She remained semi conscious but still fighting for dear life. And was in a coma in her last days.
My brother asked his wife to tell or whisper to Yayang not to wait for him. That everything will be okay. That she can let go and rest.
April 13 my brother was informed that he got the position. He will be relocating back to Manila sometime June this year.
April 14 Yayang finally succumbed...as if she was only waiting for the confirmation that my brother would indeed be coming home...it was also my brother's birthday.
To Yaya Pina, may God grant you peace and eternal repose.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, 4/16 was Easter Sunday. Our church was packed. I told W that there are only two occasions when our church is packed: Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday.
After mass we had lunch with friends at the Vietnamese restaurant Cam Ranh Bay to celebrate Easter. There was Max and Eileen with their son Marti. Jay and Jovy with their daughter Jena. Jovy's parents who were finally issued visas after the nth try. And Ross and Lali and their two kids, Mimi and Enzo. W and I proceeded to Crystal Lake Park afterwards to meet with her staff who planned on having a b-b-q get together. The weather was nice with temperature hovering in the 60s. After the early morning showers and cloudy skies the sun finally came out later in the afternoon. I'll just let the pics speak for itself on how the afternoon went.
Since the park is not yet officially open for the season there were not much people on Easter Sunday. We were lucky to get this shed.
Prepping up for a touch football game. No idea how to throw the ball nor the rules of the game. But they learned fast and played it somewhat.
Hey hey the gangs NOT all here.
Game time! Hey guys why are you running in the opposite direction? Where will I throw this ball? Keith is holding the ball while behind him is Matt starting to make his move to pounce on him.
New addition to the Filipino community. Three month old baby Mikaela of Roche (right). Belle (left) taking tips for a soon to be mother in six months.
B B Q the reason for being at the park. Somebody has to do the smoky job. Seems like nothing is cooked. As soon as it hits the tray it's gone. The single piece remaining was gone after the pic was taken. The "predators" were waiting at the sideline. Don't want to be caught on camera :)
# posted by Rey A @ 4/16/2006 11:00:00 PM
